Program Operations Head

- Report to: National Director
- Supervise: Program Managers
- Working location: Hanoi or HCMC Office, Vietnam

JOB SUMMARY
The Head of Program Operations is responsible for supervising the smooth operations of Habitat for Humanity Vietnam programs. S/he shall ensure (i) programs, projects, and efforts across the three regions are convened, aligned, and consolidated; (ii) alignment of the country program with the Habitat mission as well as Habitat Vietnam strategy; (iii) program quality and effectiveness; (iv) compliance of the country program with applicable Habitat, donor, partner and government policies and requirements; (v) develop and update program policies, procedures, and guidelines.
Under the guidance of the National Director, the Head of Program Operations will contribute to the growth of the country program and effectively identify and develop appropriate strategic and operational goals/objectives and business models for the design and implementation of short and long-range plans that are founded on people-centered, partnership-driven housing ecosystem approach.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Mission and strategy alignment
• Develop, implement, ensure quality, monitor country strategy and operational plans, the annual operating plan and budget that meet the commitments to partners and Habitat Vietnam’s strategic business plan and reach significant housing impact in the context of Vietnam
• Review the application of Habitat’s guidance for mission alignment in proposed projects and initiatives
2. Multi-stakeholder partnership development: with government authorities, development peers, private sector, and others
• Network and maintain effective strategic relationships with the authorities and relevant governing bodies, development organizations and other key actors
• Stay abreast of changes in relevant governmental policies and regulations. Provide analysis of its impact to HFHV’s operations together with solutions.
• Work with governmental partners to advocate for changes in governmental housing policies and programs, and to resolve challenges in program/projects’ operations.
3. Program quality and effectiveness
• Review and ensure the relevance, coherence, and likely sustainability and scalability of proposed projects and initiatives.
• Encourage innovation in the design of interventions, partnerships, technology, or way of doing things.
• Ensure lessons learned are incorporated into project variations for improvement and new programs/projects.
• Ensure efficient and effective program implementation through regular communication with MEAL and program staff as well as with external stakeholders.
• Develop and drive proactive and continuous quality improvement systems and processes.
• Ensure lessons and program experience are documented, applied, and shared the wider constituency.
4. Compliance
• Review and ensure compliance of projects and initiatives to Habitat for Humanity International, donor, partner and government policies and requirements.
• Promote continuous learning of these compliance requirements.
• Work collaboratively with finance lead to ensure projects’ budgetary requisites are met and effectively stewarded.
5. Growth of country program
• Lead the program team’s collaboration with finance, RD&C, PD-MEAL, and HR in the co-creation of fundable projects and initiatives.
• Identify potential partners for Habitat Vietnam
• Identify and evaluate the risks associated with program activities and take appropriate action to control the risks. Proactively raise concerns to the National Director as needed.
6. Advocacy
• Lead the program team in adapting the Habitat global or Mekong Hub advocacy campaign to the context of Vietnam.
• Identify targets and partners for Habitat Vietnam’s advocacy or influencing work--individuals, groups, institutions, policies, or areas of potential change.
• Represent Habitat Vietnam in various learning, advocacy, or networking events.
7. Urban programming
• Guide the design and implementation of more comprehensive urban housing programs.
• Advocate for and demonstrate the transformational impact of housing and its contribution to urban development.
• Develop and lead country strategies, standards, guidelines, tools, and capacity building approaches for Habitat Vietnam’s urban programming.
• Work with Senior Management in the development of strategic partnerships with complementary organizations in addressing housing challenges in the urban sector.
• Build and maintain relationships with external partners and experts in the urban sector ensuring that Habitat Vietnam’s urban programs align with sector norms and standards.